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I used to think only big dogs were scary, but then...
When it comes to having a 'presence,' I initially thought it was only large dogs that would make people feel intimidated. After all, just imagine a Great Dane taller than you standing in front of you – that's quite a sight! But after getting a cat, and a mixed breed at that, I realized that size isn't everything. My little Tiger is only about 11 pounds, but sometimes his gaze really makes me hesitate. It's a "I'm very displeased" kind of aura, like a mini-CEO!
Recently, I watched a video on YouTube by Dr. Lao, a veterinarian, talking about the presence of large dogs as they grow up, and it reminded me of my two furry kids at home. Dr. Lao said that the size and strength of large dogs, combined with their protective instincts, can indeed make some people feel uneasy. But actually, a dog's personality is key. Some dogs are naturally more sensitive and easily anxious, and their presence might come from their own anxiety, not from wanting to threaten you. This is very similar to cats; sometimes my Tiger suddenly puffs up, but it's not to attack anyone, he just feels like something is wrong with the environment and needs to protect himself.
A cat's 'aura': it's not just zoning out, it's their unique world
Speaking of aura, we have to mention a cat's 'zoning out' behavior. I used to think my Mimi was seeing ghosts, always staring at the wall in a daze. Later, I did a lot of research and asked a veterinarian, and I found out that cats staring at walls is actually very normal. The vet said that cats' sense of smell and hearing are much more sensitive than humans, they may smell or hear sounds we can't, so they will be interested in the wall. Also, the changes in light and shadow on the wall may also attract their attention. It's 2026 now, everyone should know that the world of cats is different from ours, they have their own thoughts and feelings, and we should try to understand them from their perspective.
I remember, I once bought the wrong food and Tiger developed kidney problems. That time was really stressful. Since then, I've started to seriously study pet nutrition and take them for annual check-ups. Now, I try to choose natural, high-quality food, like Mito's chicken breast freeze-dried treats, which they love and are nutritionally balanced. I also occasionally give them some turtle egg freeze-dried treats to help maintain their coat health.
A dog's 'social pressure': early training and building confidence are very important
Going back to a dog's presence, Dr. Lao mentioned in the video that some dogs, because they lacked socialization as puppies or had unpleasant experiences, will be fearful of strangers or environments and therefore exhibit aggression. In this case, their presence isn't intentional, it's them protecting themselves. Therefore, it's very important to expose dogs to different environments, people, and animals from a young age, and to provide appropriate social training to build their confidence.
I have a friend who owns a bulldog, and that dog was very wary of strangers because he was kept in a cage as a puppy. He would bark wildly whenever he saw someone new. Later, my friend took him to dog training classes to learn how to interact with people, and gradually, his wariness decreased and he became more friendly.
Whether cats or dogs, love and understanding are the most important things
In conclusion, whether it's dogs or cats, their 'presence' or 'aura' is closely related to their personality, experiences, and how we interact with them. We can't understand them using human thinking, but we should try to think from their perspective, and give them enough love and understanding. Just like my little Tiger, even though he can be quite imposing sometimes, he's still my dearest family member.
Now, I try to provide them with a rich environment, like scratching posts, toys, hiding spaces, and so on, so they can play and explore to their heart's content. I also spend time playing and interacting with them to strengthen our bond. After all, they are our best friends, and we should cherish them.
I wonder if everyone's furry kids have any unique auras or habits? Are they more of the imposing type or the gentle type?
